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This paper reports a study about professional relationships between physicians and nurses. The aim of the study was to describe and discuss the dialogue on sedation and pain relief between nurses and physicians in an intensive care unit. The chosen context was how professionals assessed the sedation needs of patients on mechanical ventilation. Four intensive care nurses and four anesthesiologists from a major hospital in Norway participated in qualitative interviews. Analysis and interpretation of the interview transcripts were performed in line with the qualitative design. The results of the study showed poor and incomplete nurse-physician communication. Both groups were responsible for their failure to discuss their different approaches to reaching a common goal for patients. Nurses are confronted by a lack of clear and systematic communication and the greater power and prestige of physicians, who can use their countervailing authority to override nurse decision making.

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